known as the most challenging hike in the city, but also one of the most rewarding, ascending pedra da gávea is a once in a lifetime experience.

the pedra da gávea is locally known as 'the head of the emperor', as the impressive rock formation, the largest in the city, supposedly resembles the face of emperor dom pedro ii. along with this title, there are other myths associated with the pedra da gávea, such as it being a portal to another dimension.